Remotely operating a movable barrier operator with auxiliary device

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for use with an auxiliary device for commanding a movable barrier operator, the apparatus having a first communication interface, a processor device, and a second communication interface. The first communication interface being configured to receive a status change request from the auxiliary device. The processor device runs a movable barrier controller application and is configured to generate a control signal for the movable barrier operator in response to receiving the status change request. The second communication interface is configured to send the control signal to the movable barrier operator through a network.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to moveable barrier operators,and more specifically to remotely operating a movable barrier operatorswith an auxiliary device communicating with a host device.

BACKGROUND

Various remotely controllable access control mechanisms are known,including barrier movement operators for movable barriers including, butnot limited to, single and segmented garage doors, pivoting and slidingdoors and cross-arms, rolling shutters, and the like. In general, eachsuch system includes a primary barrier control mechanism coupled to acorresponding barrier configured to move the barrier (typically betweenclosed and opened positions). A Radio Frequency (“RF”) transmitter istypically utilized to remotely control a garage door opener for openingand closing a garage door. The RF transmitter is often located within anautomobile and an RF control signal may be transmitted to the garagedoor opener in response to, for example, pressing a button on the RFtransmitter.

More recently, systems have been implemented to allow a user to remotelycontrol a movable barrier operator through a network connection. In suchcases, the movable barrier operator is often times controlled by anetworked device that also performs various other functions. Forexample, the networked device may be an internet-enabled mobile computerrunning various applications. A problem arises when a user needs tonavigate through various screens of the networked device to access thecontrols for operating the movable barrier operator while engaged inother activities. For example, a user may need to open a web browser,type in a web address, and enter log-in information before the user canaccess the controls for operating the movable barrier operator. This isinconvenient and potentially dangerous, especially if the user is alsodriving. Operating such devices behind the wheels may also be illegal inseveral States. There is also no convenient way to see whether themovable barrier is open or close without having to similarly navigatethrough the networked device.

SUMMARY

Methods and systems for controlling a movable barrier operator aredescribed wherein. The system includes an auxiliary device and anetworked host device that can communicate with a movable barrieroperator through a network connection. For example, the system mayinclude a Smartphone running a garage door controller app and a separateremote control device that communicates with the Smartphone. When a userpresses a button on the remote control device, the remote control devicesends a signal to the Smartphone through short-range radio frequenciessuch as Bluetooth®. The garage door controller application installedSmartphone then sends a control signal to a designated movable barrieroperator over a network, such as the Internet, to cause the garage doorto open or close.

Such a system provides a dedicated remote control device that can beeasily accessed and operated by a user, much like the conventional RadioFrequency (RF) transmitter remote controllers. That is, a driver cansimply reach for the remote control device and press a button to operatethe garage door without having the take his eyes off the road. Thissystem also provides added benefits of controlling a movable barrieroperator over a network that is not present in convention RFtransmitters. First, the remote control device can control a movablebarrier from anywhere with a network connection. Furthermore, in someembodiments, a remote control device coupled with a networked hostdevice has the added ability to receive information relating to thestatus of the movable barrier. For example, the remote control mayinclude a status indicator for indicating whether a garage door isopened or closed. A user can view this information without having tonavigate through the screens on the Smartphone. In some embodiments, theapp running on the host device may be configured to control differentbarrier operators and select which barrier to open or close based on thelocation of the host device. For example, when a user presses a buttonon the remote control device, the host device may open either acommunity gate or a house garage door depending on the user's proximityto these movable barriers. This function can reduce the number of remotecontrol devices that a user needs to carry around. Additionally, thesystem also provides an added layer of security to the remote controldevice. The system allows the security information needed to operate amovable barrier operator to be only stored on the host device. If theremote is misplaced or stolen, the remote control will not be able toopen a movable barrier on its own. These and other benefits may beclearer upon making a thorough review and study of following detaileddescription.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 comprises a block diagram illustrating a system comprisingvarious components for operating a movable barrier in accordance withone or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 2 comprises a block diagram of a host device and an auxiliarydevice in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 3 comprises a flow diagram for an example method of remotelycontrolling a movable barrier operator with a host device in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 4 comprises a flow diagram for an example method of remotelycontrolling a movable barrier operator with an auxiliary device inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding componentsthroughout the several views of the drawings. Skilled artisans willappreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicityand clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example,the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggeratedrelative to other elements to help to improve understanding of variousembodiments of the present invention. Also, common but well-understoodelements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasibleembodiment are often not depicted in order to facilitate a lessobstructed view of these various embodiments of the present invention.It will be further be appreciated that certain actions and/or steps maybe described or depicted in a particular order of occurrence while thoseskilled in the art will understand that such specificity with respect tosequence is not actually required. It will also be understood that theterms and expressions used herein have the ordinary technical meaning asis accorded to such terms and expressions by persons skilled in thetechnical field as set forth above except where different specificmeanings have otherwise been set forth herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but ismade merely for the purpose of describing the general principles ofexemplary embodiments. The scope of the invention should be determinedwith reference to the claims. Reference throughout this specification to“one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that aparticular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connectionwith the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of thepresent invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,”“in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specificationmay, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics ofthe invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or moreembodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details areprovided, such as examples of programming, software modules, userselections, network transactions, database queries, database structures,hardware modules, hardware circuits, hardware chips, etc., to provide athorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled inthe relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention can bepracticed without one or more of the specific details, or with othermethods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances,well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown ordescribed in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

Referring first to FIG. 1, an example system comprising components andapparatuses for operating a movable barrier is shown. The system shownin FIG. 1 includes an auxiliary device 110, a host device 120, a network130, a modem 141, and a movable barrier operator 143.

The auxiliary device 110 may be short range transmitter deviceconfigured for mounting in a vehicle. For example, the auxiliary device110 may be a dedicated remote control including having a button 111 anda status indicator 113. In some embodiments, the auxiliary device 110may be similar in appearance to a conventional radio frequency (RF)garage door opener. In some embodiments, the auxiliary device may bepart of a built-in vehicle electronics system. The auxiliary device 110may include wireless communication interface configured to send shortrange wireless communication signals to the host device 120. Theshort-range signal may be, for example, Bluetooth, infrared, Wi-Fi, andthe like. In some embodiments, short-range communication signals aresignals limited to 25-100 mW effective radiated power (ERP) or less sothat the communication range is approximately limited to being within agiven vehicle. Additional details of an auxiliary device are describedwith reference to FIG. 2 below.

The host device 120 may be a network-enabled electronic device such as aSmartphone, a mobile communication device, a tablet computer, a wearablecomputer, an infotainment system, a telematics system, a personalcomputer, a dash computer, a dedicated computer platform, a navigationsystem, and an intelligent transportation system. In some embodiments,the host device 120 is a multi-functional device such as a Smartphoneconfigured to run one or more applications, such as mapping application,email application, music player application, internet browserapplication, and the like. The host device 120 may include movablebarrier controller software that is configured to send a command to themovable barrier operator 143 in response to receiving a signal from theauxiliary device 110. For example, the software may be a downloadedmovable barrier controller application installed on a Smartphone. Insome embodiments, the movable barrier controller software also providesa user interface on the host device 120 that allows the user to controland/or monitor one or more movable barriers through the display andinput devices of the host device 120. The host device also includes anetwork interface 121 for communicating with the network 130. Additionaldetails of a host device are described with reference to FIG. 2 below.

The network 130 is a data communication network which may be, forexample, the Internet. While not shown, it is understood that thenetwork 130 may include various components such as routers, transmissiontowers, servers, and the like for relaying the communication between thehome network modem 141 and the host device 120. The network 130 mayfurther include a barrier operator server (not shown), which processesthe data received from the host device prior to sending the data to themovable barrier operator. For example, in some embodiments, the hostdevice sends a message to the barrier operator server with only anidentification number of a movable barrier operator and/or the user, andthe server routes the message to the movable barrier with theinformation relating to that movable barrier operator stored on theserver. In some embodiments, the message may be stored on the serveruntil the movable barrier operator queries the server for messages. Insome embodiments, a dedicated barrier operator server is not needed andthe message may be sent through other types of communication server. Forexample, the host device 120 may send a text message to a phone numberor an email to an email address monitored by the movable barrieroperator using the text message and email servers respectively.

A local network is represented by a house 140 in FIG. 1; however, it isunderstood that the components shown as being in the house 140 need notbe physically located in a residence. The modem 141 is connected to thenetwork 130 to receive messages from the host device 120 through thenetwork 130. The message may be a command to operate the movable barrieroperator 143 or a query for the status of the movable barrier (notshown). The message is routed through the local network router 142 tothe network enabled movable barrier operator 143.

The movable barrier operator 143 may be a garage door operator, a gateoperator, a commercial door operator, an arm barrier operator and thelike. FIG. 1 also shows the movable barrier operator being coupled to amotor 144 for actuating a movable barrier. While FIG. 1 shows that therouter 142 and the movable barrier operator 143 communicatingwirelessly, it is understood that the connection may also be wired.Additionally, in some embodiments, the movable barrier operator 143 maydirectly communicate with the network without the modem 141 and router142. For example, the movable barrier operator 143 may be a networkenabled device configured to directly access the cellular, mobile data,or other types of wireless network.

While FIG. 1 illustrates the host device 120 and the auxiliary device110 as being outside of the house 140, it should be understood that thesystem is also configured to operate with the host device 120 and theauxiliary device 110 near or inside the house 140. The host device 120and the auxiliary device 110 may be located in or near a vehicle. Insome embodiments, the auxiliary device 110 only includes a Bluetoothtransceiver and has to be paired with a host device to operate themovable barrier operator 143. In other embodiments, the movable barrieroperator 143 is configured to receive signal directly from the auxiliarydevice 110 in case the host device 120 is not available. For example,the auxiliary device may be equipped with both a Bluetooth transceiver(2400-2483.5 MHz) and a 200 MHz to 400 MHz transmitter, a frequencycompatible with conventional garage door openers (GDO). In someembodiments, the auxiliary device 110 may transmit both a Bluetoothsignal to the host device 120 and a RF signal directly receivable by themovable barrier operator 143 when the user pushes the button 111. Insome embodiments, a user can selectively configure the auxiliary device110 to transmit one or both of a Bluetooth signal and a GDO signal. Forexample, the auxiliary device 120 may include a switch for enabling anddisabling GDO signal transmission. In some embodiments, the user canalso configure the auxiliary device 120 with a Bluetooth transmitter toonly transmit a GDO signal, thus functioning essentially as aconventional GDO. In some embodiments, the information required totransmit the GDO signal is stored on a local memory of the auxiliarydevice 120. In some embodiments, the auxiliary device 120 is configuredto obtain and/or update the information required to transmit a GDOsignal from the host device 120.

The movable barrier operator 143 may be configured to respond to statuschange requests received through the network and through a 200 MHz to400 MHz RF receiver. In some embodiments, the movable barrier operator143 may be configured by a user to respond only to status changerequests from the network or from the RF receiver. For example, if a GDOremote is misplaced, a user can disable the movable barrier operator'sGDO receiver with either a networked device or a switch on the movablebarrier operator 143, and still operate the movable barrier with anauthorized networked device.

While only one host device 120, one auxiliary device 110, and onemovable barrier operator 143 are shown in FIG. 1, in some embodimentseach auxiliary device may be configured to communicate with multiplehost devices, each host device may be configured to communicate withmultiple auxiliary devices, and each movable barrier operator may beconfigured to receive message from multiple host devices.

The system shown in FIG. 1 allows the auxiliary device 110 to operatethe movable barrier operator 143 at any location that the host device120 can directly or indirectly access over the network 130. Theauxiliary device 110 also removes the need for a user to navigatethrough various menus and options of the host device 120 to access theinterface that allows the user to remotely control a movable barrieroperator. For example, the auxiliary device 110 may be clipped to avehicle visor and a driver can reach for and press the button 111 on theauxiliary device 110 without taking his eyes off the road. A drive canalso quickly glance over to the auxiliary device to check the status ofthe movable barrier operator displayed on the status indicator 113 tomake sure the garage door is closed.

Next referring to FIG. 2, a paired set of host device 210 and auxiliarydevice 220 is shown. The host device 210 includes a processor device211, a memory 212, a display 213, input device 214, a network interface215, and a short-range transceiver 216. The host device 210 may be anetwork-enabled electronic device such as a Smartphone, a tabletcomputer, a wearable computer, an infotainment system, a telematicssystem, a personal computer, a dash computer, a dedicated computerplatform, a navigation system, and an intelligent transportation system.

The memory 212 may include one or more of a hard disk, solid statedrive, RAM, and other types of non-transitory storage memory. Forexample, the memory 212 may include one or more of the built-in massstorage, on-board RAM, inserted SD memory card, and SIM card memory of aSmartphone device. The memory 212 may store a number of softwareprograms or apps executable by the processor device 211, including amovable barrier operator controller program. The movable barriercontroller program is configured to communicate with one or more movablebarrier operators to operate the movable barrier and/or to receivestatus indication. The movable barrier operator controller program mayinclude its own user interface to allow a user to operate a movablebarrier operator with the host device. The movable barrier controllerprogram may further include a user interface to allow a user toconfigure various settings associated with the operation of movablebarrier. For example, the user interface may allow the user to associatethe host device 210 with one or more auxiliary devices 220 and/or one ormore movable barrier operators. In some embodiments, the user setting isalso stored on the memory 212; in other embodiments, the user setting isstored on a movable barrier operator server in the data cloud. In someembodiments, the movable barrier program includes a background processthat monitors for signals from the auxiliary device 220, a movablebarrier operator, and/or a server. In some embodiments, the memory 212also stores an operating system, such as Windows®, iOS®, Android™,BlackBerry® OS, and the like. The memory 212 may also storeauthentication information of auxiliary device(s) that had been pairedwith the host device 210. The memory may further store information ofassociated movable barrier operator(s) needed to send messages andcommands to the movable barrier operator(s).

The display 213 may be any type of known displays, such as liquidcrystal display (LCD), light emitting diode (LED) display, organic lightemitting diode (OLED) display, E-Paper, and the like. The display 213may be build-in screen incorporated with a vehicle's telematic system.The display 213 is configured to display the user interface of thevarious operating system and/or program executed by the processor device211.

The input device 214 may be any type of known user input devicesincluding a touch screen, a touch pad, a keypad, a keyboard, one or morebuttons, a microphone, a camera, a joystick, and the like. The inputdevice 214 allows the user to interface with various programs executedby the processor device 211. In some embodiments, the display 213 andthe input device 214 are integrated in the form of a touch screendevice.

The network interface 215 is a communication interface that allows thehost device 21 to connect to a network. The network interface 215 mayinclude one or more of a cellular network transceiver, a Wi-Fi modem, awireless broadband modem, a mobile data network modem and the like. Thenetwork interface 215 may be configured to connect to the internetand/or a private network to communicate with a movable barrier operatorand/or a server.

The short-range transceiver 216 may be short-range radio frequencycommunication interface. For example, the short-range transceiver mayinclude a low-power transmitter with less than 100 mW effective radiatedpower (ERP), depending on the frequency band, which limits their usefulrange to few hundred meters, and do not require a license from its user.For example, in some embodiments, the short-range transceiver 216 may bea Bluetooth® transceiver which operates in the range of 2400-2483.5 MHz.The host device 210 may communicate with one or more devices through theshort-range transceiver 216.

The host device 210 may further include a location determinationfunction such as a global positioning system (GPS) receiver (not shown)and/or other types of sensors such as motion sensor, accelerometer,microphone, camera, and the like. In some embodiments, one host devicemay be associated with multiple movable barrier operators. The movablebarrier operator controller software on the host device 210 may select amovable barrier operator to control based on the proximity of the hostdevice to the movable barrier operators using the host device's locationdetermination function, such as receipt of a GPS signal, receipt of aWiFi signal, triangulation via communication with multiple otherantennas, and the like. For example, the software may determine the hostdevice's location and compare that information with stored informationregarding the locations of certain movable barrier operators as may beprogrammed by a user. In this manner, the host device can determinewhich movable barrier operator is the closest to the current location ofthe host device, and sends the message to the closest movable barrieroperator.

The auxiliary device 220 includes a short-range transceiver 221, aninput device 223, and a status indicator 225. The auxiliary device 220may be a short-range transmitter and may be a dedicated movable barrieroperator controller device. In some embodiments, the auxiliary devicemay be similar in dimensions and appearance to a conventional garagedoor remote control. In other embodiments, the auxiliary device may beintegrated with other devices, such as a vehicle on-board electronicssystem.

The short-range transceiver 221 of the auxiliary device 220 may besimilar to the short-range transceiver 216 of the host device 210. Theshort-range transceiver 221 provides a way for the auxiliary device 220to communicate with the host device 210. The input device 223 may be anytype of common input means including a the user input device comprisesat least one of a button, a capacitance input, a touch screen, a switch,a microphone, and a motion sensor. The input device 223 allows a user tocause the auxiliary device 220 to send a signal to the host device 210to request a status change on the movable barrier. For example, a usermay press a button on the auxiliary device 220 to open or close a garagedoor through the host device 210. In some embodiments, the input device223 may allow the user to specify whether the desired status is open orclosed. In some embodiments, the auxiliary device 220 may includemultiple buttons, each pre-programmed for a different movable barrieroperator. The signal from the auxiliary device 220 to the host device210 may then include information associated with which button is pushed.

The status indicator 225 may be any type of display that can indicate atleast two statuses (e.g. open or close). For example, the statusindicator may be an LED bulb(s), an LED array, an LCD display, abistable display, and the like. The status indicator may also includeone or more of a light producing device, a light emitting diode, a videodisplay, a liquid crystal display, a touch screen display, and a soundproducing device. The auxiliary device 220 may be configured to receivemovable barrier status information from the host device 210 and displaythe status of the movable barrier (e.g., open or closed) through thestatus indicator 225. The movable barrier status information may beinformation related to the position and/or movement of a movable barriersuch as open, close, moving, opening, closing, locked, unlocked,connected, disconnected, and the like. In some embodiments, the statusindicator may be configured to display the status of multiple movablebarriers. For example, in an embodiment of the auxiliary device 220having multiple inputs associated with multiple movable barriers, astatus indicator may be associated with each of the multiple inputs. Insome embodiments, the status indicator constantly displays the status ofmovable barrier(s). In other embodiments, a user can use an input device223 to trigger the display of status on the status indicator. In someembodiments, the status indicator 225 is only turned on in specificstatuses and is off in other statuses. For example, a LED light may onlybe lit when a garage door is open, and is turned off when the garagedoor is closed.

While the auxiliary device 220 is shown with three components in FIG. 2,it is understood that the auxiliary device may include additionalcomponents. For example, the auxiliary device 220 may include a housingenclosing the short range transceiver 221, the input device 223, and thestatus indicator 225. The auxiliary device may further include means forattaching the auxiliary device 220 to another structure. The attachmentmeans may be a clip, a clap, a hook and loop strip, a suction cup, andthe like. The auxiliary 220 device may also include an independent powersource such as a battery. The auxiliary device 220 may further include amemory for storing authentication information of the host device(s) withwhich it had previously authenticated.

In other embodiments, an auxiliary device 220 may not include a statusindicator 225. The transceivers 221 may be a transmitters instead. Thatis, the auxiliary device 220 may only be configured to send statuschange requests but does not receive the movable barrier statusinformation. For example, a conventional garage door opener may bepaired with a RF receiver coupled to the host device 210 to allow theconvention garage door opener to operate a movable barrier remotelythrough a network consistent with the descriptions herein.

In some embodiments, the auxiliary device 220 may include a short-rangetransmitter, such as a GDO transmitter, in addition to the short-rangetransceiver 221. When a user actuates the input device 223, theauxiliary device may transmit a GDO signal through the GDO transmitterin addition to transmitting the short-range signal through theshort-range transceiver 221. In some embodiments, the auxiliary deceivefurther includes one or more switches for enabling and disabling the GDOtransmitter and/or the short-range transceiver 221. For example, a usermay place the switch in one position to transmit both a GDO signal and aBluetooth signal, and move the switch to a second position to transmitonly a Bluetooth signal. In some embodiments, thetransmitter/transceiver may be configured through the host device 210.For example, movable operator controller application on the host device210 may allow the user to enable and disable the GDO transmitter on theauxiliary device 220. In some embodiments, the movable operatorcontroller allows the user to configure whether to send a GDOtransmitter and/or a Bluetooth signal based on the movable barrieroperator being operated by the signal. In some embodiments, theshort-range transceiver 221 and the GDO transmitter may respond todifferent user inputs. For example, different buttons may be associatedwith the short-range transceiver 221 and the GDO transmitter. Thebuttons may be configured to operate the same or different movablebarrier operators.

FIG. 3 shows a flow diagram of an example method for remotely operatinga movable barrier as implemented on a host device. At step 301, the hostdevice receives a status change request from an auxiliary device. Thesignal from the auxiliary device may be a simple trigger signal or itmay specify whether the desired movable barrier status should be openedor closed. The signal may also indicate which of a plurality of movablebarriers should receive the command to change status. The status changerequest may be received through a wireless or wired signal. In someembodiments, the status change request is a short-range radio frequencysignal such as a Bluetooth® signal. At step 301, the host device mayadditionally verify the authentication status of the auxiliary device.For example, the host device may determine whether the auxiliary devicesending the signal has permission to control the movable barrieroperator. Step 301 may be a function of movable barrier operatorapplication software, the operating system, and/or a backgroundmonitoring process running on the host device.

At step 303, the host device determines whether more than one movablebarrier operator are associated with the application running on the hostdevice. In some embodiments, one host device may have stored in itsmemory information relating to multiple movable barrier operators thatit can communicate with and control. For example, one host device may beconfigured to control an office parking garage gate, a community gate,and a residential garage gate. If there are multiple movable barrieroperators associated with the host device, the process moves to step304. If only one movable barrier operator is associated with theapplication, the process may proceed directly to step 305. In someembodiments, the movable barrier controller application is onlyconfigured to communicate with one movable barrier operator, and bothsteps 303 and 304 may be skipped.

At step 304, the application selects one movable barrier operator tocontrol. The selection may be based on one or more factors. In someembodiments, the user may select a default movable barrier operator forthe host device. The default movable barrier operator may further beconfigured to automatically change based on time of day, date of week,location of the host device, etc. In some embodiments, the host deviceuses a GPS signal or other location determination to determine whichmovable barrier operator is the closest to the host device to select amovable barrier operator to control. In some embodiments, the signalfrom an auxiliary device causes the host display to display optionsand/or status for the multiple movable barrier operators on its displayscreen for the user to select. In some embodiments, one movable barrieroperator is selected based the input received on the auxiliary device.For example, the auxiliary device may have separate buttons for thecommunity gate and the residential garage door, and a different signalis sent to the host device based on which button is pressed. In someembodiments, the movable barrier operator is selected based on theidentity of the auxiliary device sending the signal. For example, oneauxiliary device may be configured to only control a first gate, and asecond auxiliary may be configured to control a second gate. The hostdevice may be configured to allow a user to select and edit one or moreof the above configurations with a user interface of the movable barriercontroller application, and determine a movable barrier operator basedon the stored user configuration.

At step 305, the host device generates a control signal for a movablebarrier operator. The control signal may be a status change requestwhich opens the movable barrier if it is currently closed, and closesthe movable barrier if it is currently open. In some embodiments, thecontrol signal may specify whether the desired status is opened orclosed such that the operator then determines whether to operate basedon the received control signal and the current state of the barrier. Insome embodiments, the control signal may include information necessaryto establish that the host device has permission to change the status ofthe movable barrier operator. For example, the control signal may beencrypted with a passcode or include other encryption such as rollingcode encryption.

At step 306, the control signal is sent over a network to the movablebarrier operator. The control signal may be sent via a network interfaceof the host device such as a Wi-Fi module, a cellular data antenna, andthe like. In some embodiments, the control signal may be sent in theform of a data packet, a text message, a voice call, or an email. Insome embodiments, after step 306, the host device may receive aconfirmation signal from the movable barrier operator through thenetwork to confirm that the requested status change has been completed.In some embodiments, the confirmation signal may be barrier statusinformation. In some embodiment, the control signal and/or theconfirmation signal is routed through a server such as a dedicatedmovable barrier controller server.

In some embodiments, prior to step 301 of the method shown in FIG. 3,the host device may first be required to authenticate with one or moreauxiliary devices. For example, a user may enter a pass code or devicecode associated with the auxiliary device on the host device for thehost device to accept status change request signals from the auxiliarydevice in the future. Also prior to step 301, the host device may alsoauthenticate with a movable barrier operator. For example, the user maybe required to enter a pass code or the device code associated with themovable barrier operator for the host device to send control commands tothe movable barrier operators. In some embodiments, the pass code or thedevice code may be encrypted into the control signal each time a messageis sent between the various devices to ensure that only host deviceswith permission to operate the movable barrier operator can cause themovable barrier to move. In some embodiments, authentication may includethe user logging into a movable operator server to access a user profilethat may be associated with one or more movable barrier operator.

Additionally, prior to, during, and/or after the method shown in FIG. 3,the host device may further periodically query for movable barrierstatus from the movable barrier operator. In some embodiments, themovable barrier operator updates the information stored on a server whenthe status of the movable barrier changes, and the host deviceperiodically retrieves the status information form the server.

FIG. 4 shows a flow diagram of a method for remotely operating a movablebarrier as implemented on an auxiliary device. At step 401, theauxiliary device receives a user input to operate a moveable barrier.The user input may be a user operating an input device such as a button,a keypad, a touchpad, a switch, and the like on the auxiliary device. Insome embodiments, the user input may also be a voice command, a gesturecommand, and the like.

At step 403, the auxiliary device sends a status change request to ahost device. Step 403 occurs in response to step 401. The status changerequest may be sent through a previously established communication linkwith a host device. For example, the communication link may be ashort-range radio frequency communication channel. In some embodiments,the status change request is broadcasted to all nearby devices. Thestatus change request may be a trigger that requests a change from thecurrent barrier status, whether the current status is opened or closed.In other embodiments, the status change request may specify whether thedesired status is opened or closed. In some embodiments, the statuschange request may specify which movable barrier operator to controlbased on the user input in step 401. For example, the status changerequest may be based on which button the user pushes on the auxiliarydevice.

At step 405, the auxiliary device receives the barrier statusinformation from the host device. Step 405 may occur after each time astatus change request is sent to a host device in step 403. In someembodiments, the barrier status information also functions as aconfirmation of the receipt of the status change request. Alternatively,prior to step 405, the host device may send a separate confirmationsignal. In some embodiments, step 405 occurs periodically with orwithout steps 401 and 403. For example, the host device mayautomatically transmit the barrier status information to the auxiliaryperiodically, or the auxiliary device may request the barrier statusinformation from the host device periodically. In some embodiments, thebarrier status information is sent by the host device when the hostdevice detected a change in the movable barrier status. In someembodiments, step 405 includes storing the received barrier statusinformation on a memory on the auxiliary device. In some embodiments,the stored status memory may be used to determine whether the desiredstatus is open or close when a user input is received in step 401. Inanother approach, no barrier status information is received at all bythe auxiliary device, such information being available instead only fromthe host device.

At step 407, the barrier status is displayed on a status indicator ofthe auxiliary device. The status indicator may be LED bulb(s), a LEDarray, a LCD display, a bistable display, and the like. In someembodiments, the status indicator may display the status of multiplemovable barriers. For example, in an embodiment of the auxiliary devicehaving multiple inputs associated with multiple movable barriers, astatus indicator may be associated with each of the multiple inputs. Insome embodiments, the status indicator constantly displays the status ofmovable barrier(s). In other embodiments, a user can use an input deviceto trigger the display of status on the status indicator. The display ofbarrier status may be changed based on the barrier status informationreceived in step 405.

The above approach combines the accessibility with a conventional remotecontrol and the versatility of a networked movable barrier controllerapplication. A driver can simply reach for the remote control device andpress a button to operate the garage door without having the take hiseyes off the road. This system also allows for various user configurablesettings that can be tailored to each user's individual needs and usagepattern. The system also provides an added layer of security in case theremote control is misplaced or stolen. In such a case, the remotecontrol will not be able to open a movable barrier on its own. The usercan also revoke the authentication of the host and/or auxiliary deviceif one or both is lost through another networked device for addedsecurity.

Accordingly, the embodiments described above provide security to theowner of a garage door opener by removing the ability for a transmitterto function when it is distant from a vehicle in which it is normallyused. By adding a secondary transmitter within the vehicle and requiringthe primary transmitter to receive an identification signal from thesecondary transmitter, the primary transmitter would have knowledge thatit is close enough to the vehicle in order to activate the garage dooropener to perform various functions.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety ofmodifications, alterations, and combinations can be made with respect tothe above described embodiments without departing from the scope of theinvention. For example, any of the signals or commands sent or receivedby the host device, auxiliary device, and movable barrier operator maybe encrypted according to various methods. Such modifications,alterations, and combinations are to be viewed as being within the ambitof the inventive concept.

What is claimed is:
 1. A wireless wide area network device for use witha remote control device for controlling a plurality of movable barrieroperators, the wireless wide area network device comprising: a firstcommunication interface configured to receive a status change requestoriginating from the remote control device; a processor deviceconfigured to: determine whether the remote control device, from whichthe status change request originated, has permission to control themovable barrier operator; determine a location of the wireless wide areanetwork device; select, based at least in part on the location, one ofthe plurality of movable barrier operators; and generate a controlsignal for the selected one of the plurality of movable barrieroperators in response to receiving the status change request; and asecond communication interface configured to automatically send thecontrol signal to the selected one of the movable barrier operatorsthrough a wireless wide area network in response to the processor devicegenerating the control signal.
 2. The wireless wide area network deviceof claim 1, wherein the status change request is generated in responseto an operation of a user input device on the remote control device. 3.The wireless wide area network device of claim 1, wherein the controlsignal is configured to cause the selected movable barrier operator tomove a movable barrier coupled to the selected movable barrier operator.4. The wireless wide area network device of claim 1, wherein theprocessor device is further configured to receive movable barrier statusinformation from one or more of the plurality of movable barrieroperators through the wireless wide area network.
 5. The wireless widearea network device of claim 1, wherein the processor device isconfigured to provide movable barrier status information to the remotecontrol device through the first communication interface and cause theremote control device to display the movable barrier status informationon a movable barrier status indicator.
 6. The wireless wide area networkdevice of claim 1, wherein the first communication interface comprises ashort-range radio frequency communication interface.
 7. The wirelesswide area network device of claim 1, wherein the selecting of the one ofthe plurality of movable barrier operators is based on one or more of aproximity of the plurality of movable barrier operators to the wirelesswide area access device and a stored user configuration.
 8. The wirelesswide area network device of claim 1, wherein the processor device isfurther configured to authenticate the status change request receivedfrom the remote control device prior to sending the control signal tothe one of the plurality of movable barrier operators.
 9. A method foruse with a remote control device for controlling a plurality of movablebarrier operators, the method comprising: receiving, at a wireless widearea network device via a short range wireless communication signal, astatus change request originated from the remote control device througha first communication interface; determining, by the wireless wide areanetwork device, whether the remote control device which originated thestatus change request has permission to control the movable barrieroperator; determining, by the wireless wide area network device, alocation of the wireless wide area network device; selecting, by thewireless wide area network device, one of the plurality of movablebarrier operators based at least in part on the location of the wirelesswide area network device; generating, by a processor of the wirelesswide area network device, a control signal for the selected one of theplurality of movable barrier operators in response to receipt of thestatus change request; and automatically sending, by the wireless widearea network device, the control signal to the selected one of theplurality of movable barrier operators over a long-range network througha second communication interface of the wireless wide area networkdevice.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the status change request isgenerated in response to an operation of a user input device on theremote control device.
 11. The method of claim 9, further comprising:receiving movable barrier status information from at least one of theplurality of movable barrier operators through the network.
 12. Themethod of claim 9, further comprising: providing movable barrier statusinformation to the remote control device through the first communicationinterface; and causing the remote control device to display the movablebarrier status information on a movable barrier status indicator. 13.The method of claim 9, wherein the first communication interfacecomprises a short-range radio frequency communication interface.
 14. Themethod of claim 9, wherein the selecting the movable barrier operator isfurther based on one or more of a proximity of the wireless wide areanetwork device to the plurality of movable barrier operators and astored user configuration.
 15. The method of claim 9, furthercomprising: authenticating the status change request received from theremote control device prior to sending the control signal to theselected one of the plurality of movable barrier operators.
 16. A remotecontrol device for use with a wireless wide area network device forcontrolling a movable barrier operator, the remote control devicecomprising: a communication interface configured to communicate with thewireless wide area network device via a short range wirelesscommunication signal, wherein the wireless wide area network device isrunning a movable barrier controller application; and a user inputdevice configured to be manipulated by a user and cause thecommunication interface to send a status change request to the wirelesswide area network device in response to manipulation of the user inputdevice; wherein the wireless wide area network device determines whetherthe remote control device, from which the status change request wassent, has permission to control the movable barrier operator; whereinthe status change request automatically causes the movable barriercontroller application to generate a control signal and automaticallycause the wireless wide area network device to send the control signalto the movable barrier operator over a long-range network; and whereinthe remote control device is a dedicated device configured tocommunicate exclusively with the wireless wide area network device. 17.The remote control device of claim 16, wherein the communicationinterface comprises a short-range radio frequency communicationinterface.
 18. The remote control device of claim 16, furthercomprising: a movable barrier status indicator, wherein thecommunication interface is further configured to receive movable barrierstatus information from the wireless wide area network device andwherein the movable barrier status indicator displays the movablebarrier status information.
 19. The remote control device of claim 16,wherein the remote control device is configured to authenticate with thewireless wide area network device prior to sending the status changerequest.
 20. The remote control device of claim 19, further comprising:a storage memory for storing authentication information.
 21. The remotecontrol device of claim 16, wherein the control signal is configured tocause the movable barrier operator to move a movable barrier.
 22. Theapparatus of claim 16, wherein the status change request is configuredto cause the mobile communication device to send the control signal tothe movable barrier operator over a network including across an Internetconnection.
 23. A method for use with a wireless wide area networkdevice for controlling a movable barrier operator, the methodcomprising: detecting a manipulation of an input of a user input deviceto operate a movable barrier; sending, by a communication interface ofthe user input device via a short range communication signal, inresponse to the manipulation of the input, a status change request tothe wireless wide area network device running a movable barriercontroller application; wherein the wireless wide area network devicedetermines whether the user input device sending the status changerequest has permission to control the movable barrier operator; whereinthe status change request automatically causes the movable barriercontroller application to generate a control signal and automaticallycauses the wireless wide area network device to send the control signalto the movable barrier operator over a long-range network; and whereinthe user input device is a dedicated device configured to communicateexclusively with the wireless wide area network device.
 24. The methodof claim 23, wherein the communication interface comprises a short-rangeradio frequency communication interface.
 25. The method of claim 23,further comprising: receiving movable barrier status information fromthe wireless wide area network device through the communicationinterface; and displaying movable barrier status information on amovable barrier status indicator.
 26. The method of claim 23, furthercomprising: authenticating with the wireless wide area network deviceprior to sending the status change request.
 27. The method of claim 26,further comprising: storing authentication information on a storagememory.
 28. An apparatus comprising: a short range transmitter deviceconfigured for mounting in a vehicle, the short range transmitter devicecomprising: a user input device configured to receive a user input, awireless communication interface configured to send short range wirelesscommunication signals, and a processor device configured to determineactuation of the user input device and in response cause the wirelesscommunication interface to send a signal to a mobile communicationdevice in the vehicle and running a movable barrier operatorapplication, the mobile communication device configured to determinewhether the apparatus that sent the signal has permission to control themovable barrier operator, the signal causes the movable barrier operatorapplication to automatically effect communication from the mobilecommunication device over a long-range network to a movable barrieroperator and cause the movable barrier operator to move an associatedmovable barrier; wherein the apparatus communicates exclusively with themobile communication device.
 29. The apparatus of claim 28 wherein theprocessor device is configured to receive from the mobile communicationdevice, via the wireless communication interface, status informationrelating to a position or movement of the associated movable barrier;and wherein the apparatus further comprises a movable barrier statusindicator configured to provide the status information.